Pharmacy boosts flu vaccines by 20% using digital services

A London pharmacy has increased its flu vaccinations by 20% since introducing digital services.

Since rolling out Patient Access for Professionals one year ago the Green Light Pharmacy Group has carried out thousand of digital consultations and grown flu vaccinations by 20% across its 13 branches.

Co-owner Paras Shah said the portal had allowed the pharmacy to “reach a huge number of people we would not have been able to otherwise” during the Covid-19 pandemic.

People have booked 3,976 appointments via the platform, and pharmacies have carried out 4,000 flu jabs.

The platform, which generated more than £83.5k in turnover for the pharmacy group, enables pharmacies to offer both physical and virtual appointments via video or telephone.

Patients can find and book appointments through Patient Access or directly at the pharmacy, and join video consultations directly from their mobile device, desktop, or laptop.

It also gives community pharmacists access to the virtual marketplace on Patient Access where users can find and book their services.

“We definitely would have struggled more during the pandemic without it. Patient Access is a trusted app, and this in turn has increased our patients’ trust in us,” Shah added.

“We have definitely increased our visibility among patients, and it has been an invaluable tool for highlighting what we can offer – well over 30 patient services, including medication use reviews, blood pressure checks, minor ailment consultations and travel vaccinations. It is a great tool for pharmacy groups of any size.”

Sima Jassal, head of pharmacy at EMIS, added: “The Green Light Pharmacy Group is a fantastic example of how community pharmacy is using technology to extend its clinical role and offer patients a great service.

“During the pandemic, people have used digital health services much more, and we believe the Patient Access will become a familiar way for patients to access valuable advice, clinical services and care from their local community pharmacy.”